Behavioral Health Specialist

Newport Healthcare; Buffalo (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport Healthcare seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to shape daily experiences for adolescent and young adult patients in its behavioral health programs. You will create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment, offering meaningful connection and stability throughout healing.

The role emphasizes frontline care, collaboration with the team, and guiding patients through therapy, activities, meals, and transitions with empathy.

Qualifications

• Patient-first mindset guiding compassionate care.
• Ability to handle fast-paced shifts including evenings/weekends.
• Calm decision-making under pressure with good judgment.
• Active listening with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborative team player with effective communication.
• Must be 21+ with a valid driver's license.
• High school diploma or GED; bachelor's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, structured environment for patients.
• Guide and supervise patients during daily activities (therapy, meals, transitions).
• Lead or support experiential activities promoting healing.
• Model calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies.
• Stay grounded during high-stress situations and restore calm.
• Collaborate with team to support unified care.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Decision making

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or sociology (preferred)

Job description

What You'll Do

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a vital, hands-on role in shaping the daily experience of adolescent and young adult patients in Newport Healthcare's behavioral health programs. As a frontline team member, you'll create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

This role isn't just important; it's foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in young people's lives. Key responsibilities include:

• Creating a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients' emotional and physical well-being
• Guiding and encouraging patients as they move through their daily schedule—including therapy, group activities, meals, and moments of transition in between
• Leading or supporting experiential activities (such as mindfulness practices, recreation, and group experiences) that promote healing and connection
• Modeling calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety
• Staying grounded and responsive during high-stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies
• Collaborating and communicating with team members to support a connected, unified care environment

What Makes You a Great Fit

• A patient-first mindset that inspires you to reach the highest standards in supporting the young people in your care
• Flexibility within a fast-paced, changing environment-schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts, and you may need to respond to urgent or unexpected conditions during your shift
• Ability to remain calm and composed, and to make good decisions using a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
• The capacity to listen attentively and actively, with patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity
• A collaborative team player who can find common ground, build trust with colleagues, and communicate effectively
• A problem-solver who digs deep and uses all the information available to craft skillful solutions
• Must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred

Compensation Range: XX-XX